Manchester United prospect Kai Rooney, son of club legend Wayne, is set for a step up in responsibilities after scoring four goals in a recent under-18 match. Multiple insiders at the club have expressed eagerness to see the 16-year-old push on following a bright start to the season.
Rooney Jr scored the first four goals for United's under-18s in a 6-0 victory over Burnley, including a perfect hat-trick in the second half. The performance has sparked fresh talk that he could follow in his father's footsteps.
Progress at Higher Levels
A first-team debut may not be imminent, though anything is possible given the first team's recent struggles and Benjamin Sesko's injury woes. Rooney, who turns 17 on Monday, has already debuted for United's under-21s and has seen minutes in the under-19 UEFA Youth League this term.
One club insider told The Athletic: "As a player, Kai impacts games; he’s tenacious, he has an eye for goal. We are now interested to see what he’s like as he gets fitter and healthier since he had injuries and setbacks last year."
"Now, he’s been able to get into a rhythm since the start of the year. That’s key, that’s the first time it has happened at the higher levels."
Playing Style and Comparisons
Primarily a right winger, Kai is primarily left-footed but comfortable on either side. He scored using each foot in the demolition of Burnley. Fans at Old Trafford will be excited to hear comparisons with his father, who remains United's all-time top scorer.
Another United source told The Athletic: "He’s a great kid. Holds his own 100 per cent. He is a goalscorer who is quick off the shoulder. He’s explosive over five to ten yards."
"He’s not the biggest, he’s going to be like his dad’s build. Small, squat, aggressive. When he’s on it, he’s on it. He just has to be more consistent. But he has moments like against Burnley where he can get you off the edge of your seat."
Current Form and Future
Another coach with experience coaching Kai added: "Kai’s got a load of self-confidence. He can use both feet but he’s primarily left footed. He’s an accurate shooter with a powerful, clean, shot: good traits going for him as a striker. He’s a good lad, never had any issues with him but he was also injured and I’m glad he’s through that and playing well."
Rooney's four-goal blitz against Burnley improved his record to five goals and one assist in only three appearances in the under-18 Premier League this term. His debut for United's under-21s came during a 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League 2, where he didn't get the chance to make a major impact.
His current trajectory suggests Rooney may soon outgrow his surroundings in the under-18s. That would count as a giant step towards making his debut with the first team and officially beginning the journey to emulate dad Wayne at Old Trafford.
